He returned to the computer terminal and began examining the original report more carefully. The file contained a description of the vehicle and the circumstances under which it had reportedly been seen. Several details remained uncertain, and the information did not establish a direct connection to Victoria.
He searched for the registration number listed in the report.
It did not match the Mercedes's registration.
He checked the model year and the other available identifying information. Some general characteristics were similar, but the specific details did not support the conclusion he had drawn in the parking lot.
Reynolds stared at the screen.
The more carefully he examined the information, the less convincing his original theory became.
He had mistaken a broad resemblance for a meaningful connection. He had treated Victoria's ordinary actions as suspicious because he had already decided that she did not belong beside the vehicle. Then, when she offered the information that could have corrected his mistake, he interpreted her insistence as a challenge.
The evidence had not led him to his conclusion.
His conclusion had led him to interpret the evidence.
For the first time that afternoon, Reynolds began to understand how difficult it would be to justify his conduct if the entire encounter were examined from beginning to end.
He could not change what he had said in the parking lot. He could not erase the moment he had placed Victoria in handcuffs. He could not pretend that he had checked the registration before detaining her, because the sequence of events would show otherwise.
But he still had a choice about what he did next.
He could acknowledge the discrepancy, document the findings, and take the necessary steps to correct the situation.
Or he could continue defending the decision he had made, hoping that additional questions would produce a reason to support it.
Reynolds remained at the terminal for another minute, scrolling through the records.
Then he printed the available vehicle information and carried it toward the interview room.
Inside, Victoria heard footsteps approaching.
She sat upright as the door opened, watching Reynolds enter with a fresh set of papers. His expression was more controlled than before, but there was still tension in his jaw.
He placed the documents on the table.
OFFICER JACK REYNOLDS: "The registration information checks out."
VICTORIA HAYES: "And the vehicle matches the original report?"
Reynolds hesitated.
OFFICER JACK REYNOLDS: "The registration in the report is different."
Victoria stared at him.
VICTORIA HAYES: "Then you have confirmed that the vehicle in the report is not registered to me."
OFFICER JACK REYNOLDS: "The details don't match in every respect."
VICTORIA HAYES: "You knew that I was willing to provide the documents. You had my identification. You had the registration. Why did you bring me here before completing these checks?"
Reynolds pulled out a chair but did not sit down immediately.
OFFICER JACK REYNOLDS: "I believed the circumstances warranted further investigation."
VICTORIA HAYES: "Further investigation is not the same thing as assuming that I committed a crime."
OFFICER JACK REYNOLDS: "I was acting on the information available to me."
VICTORIA HAYES: "The information available to you included my identification and my offer to show you the registration. You chose not to verify it until after you had handcuffed me and brought me here."
The officer looked at the table.
Victoria continued, her voice calm but unmistakably firm.
VICTORIA HAYES: "I want the record to reflect that I cooperated. I did not attempt to flee. I did not refuse to identify myself. I did not prevent you from examining the vehicle. I repeatedly offered the documents you needed."
Reynolds remained silent.
VICTORIA HAYES: "And I want to know whether I am free to leave."
The question was direct.
For the first time since entering the station, Reynolds could not easily redirect the conversation toward another detail about the vehicle or Victoria's behavior. He had to consider the actual basis for keeping her in the room.
He looked at the papers again.
OFFICER JACK REYNOLDS: "I need to speak with the desk sergeant."
VICTORIA HAYES: "Then please do that. But I would also like to contact my office."
OFFICER JACK REYNOLDS: "We'll deal with that after I speak to him."
VICTORIA HAYES: "I have already waited while you checked information that could have been verified at the scene. I am asking for a clear answer, not another indefinite delay."
Reynolds's face tightened, but he did not respond.